Books to come

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Abigail Tate was a normal human girl—until the day Bronx the vampire barges into her life and turns her against her will. Held captive while forced to deal with never-ending cravings for blood, Abby prays for a way to escape. Only when an opportunity arises, it’s with the aid of an innocent human named Tyler—except vampires are forbidden to interact with the unbitten. But Abby quickly learns this human has secrets of his own...secrets that can either help her or get her killed. Only Abby soon discovers that she is the one with the biggest secret of all.

Wow. Crimson Groves. Where to start? Since I have two reviews on this post and I do not want to make them too long, I am going to make this short and sweet. Or...well. I will try to. ;)

I can admit first and foremost that I loved Abigail as a character.

I was upset with this book at some point while reading it and almost put it down when I came to the part I was struggling with, but Abby's strength and commentary were my favorite part of the book and that kept me reading on through to the end. And I am glad I did. The ending healed me a small bit and I am back to how I felt starting the book- Excited. What is going to happen in book two? I am intrigued and fascinated by the twist the author has created with Vampires. It is always nice to see how an author is going to mold and warp the vampire legends to make them their own. (: I mean, what is the point in writing another vampire novel if you aren't going to spice it up a little bit? :D

I am happy to report that while it is a twist, her take on vampires is not too outlandish so as to make you groan. Not going into details or anything, but there are both good and bad vampires. The bad ones in this book are hard core and you CANNOT have a good book, in my opinion, without a hard core bad guy. ;) So high marks in that department. And wowza! [well played with that bad guy, lady.]

The good guys, however are not so cut and dried. Now that I have finished the book and have my emotions sort of in order, I can appreciate. Intrigue is something you want to keep in a book to keep readers interested. There certainly is a lot of that in this book. O.O

However, and I hate to mention this... I can do without the main character having every Tom, Dick, and Jane (er.. James?) interested in her. <sigh> I shall persevere, however, like every dedicated reader and violently hope she ends up with who I want her to be with. Because if not, I believe my heart shall be irreparable damaged. :O

Good Book. Nice Twist on Vamps. Love the intrigue, the bad guys and the main character<3. Could do without the one element, but I guess that is just me. All in all, pretty good read. :D

Okay, so maybe that is not what you would call short.... :D Sorry!

Crimson Flames

(Book 2 in Crimson Series)

Half-vampire Abby Tate is determined to learn more about the sorceress powers that were awakened inside her when she was turned into a vampire—making her a whole new hybrid species. There’s a group of rogue vamps banding together and forming a Resistance against the vampire governing body, The Head Council, and Abby’s newly discovered powers are the key to the Council’s victory. Now the Resistance will do anything possible to remove the hybrid threat, and with no other options, Abby is forced to rely on the aid of the Council, yet can she trust the very vampires that hunt for her human lover? And even worse, can she fight the unwelcome attraction that’s growing between her and one of those ancient vampire rulers?

This book literally starts off where the first book ended. I am not kidding. Same moment. I was like.... whoah! :D Sweet. I didn't miss anything. hehe.

In this book, we delve deeper into the world of vampires, which to be honest, after book one, I did not think was possible! The Abby I loved in the first book only gets better in the second. She is growing her powers and becoming more familiar with vampire politics while trying to sort out whose side she will eventually have to align herself with. The rogue vampires or the council? Is there another option? I am glad she is not quick to trust anyone (well, anyone new in this book). She is also trying to navigate her feelings for Tyler (enigma) as well as trying to find out what it is about him that feels off. This book was equally as good as the first book in the series. And any disagreements I had with the first book still stand, but I still greatly enjoyed this series. (: I recommend it to anyone who loves a Vampire series with a strong heroine and Mystery.

Author Bio

Ashley Robertson resides in sunny Orlando, Florida, and loves writing about anything paranormal. She also composes poems and songs, though she learned long ago she doesn’t have a singing voice. When she isn’t writing you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, training in her home gym, traveling and exploring new places, and drinking fine red wines and gourmet coffees from her Nespresso machine. For a sneak peek at Ashley Robertson’s upcoming books, giveaways, and blog entries go to her WebsiteAshley's Links:@Facebook | @Twitter | @Goodreads | @Blog

Chapter One Sneak Peek

(Book 2: Crimson Flames)

The DealMY STOMACH CLENCHED as I sensed the vampire’s approach. He was close. So close I could feel the thrum of his power vibrating along my skin. The hairs on the back of my neck rose, and I knew if I was going to use my power for defense, then I needed to bring it forth now. I closed my eyes, forcing myself to breathe as deeply as I could—which thankfully had gotten easier with practice. I focused on the energy inside me, willing it to the surface, and as I felt it swelling, building like an approaching storm, I threw out my hand, gripped Stone’s shirtsleeve, and urged him to the floor. “Get down! He’s here!”Stone raked me with a look that told me he was not too pleased, but then fear swept over his face when he realized just how little time we had.The wooden door to the pub suddenly burst open—bits of wood and dust raining down from the force. Even though Stone should’ve cowered behind me—since his gift of reading blood wasn’t something he could fight with—somehow he’d found some bravery and boldly stood by my side. Though I appreciated it, I didn’t like it, and desperately wished he had listened to me. But I couldn’t think about that and call forth the fire within me at the same time. So I pushed Stone to the back of my mind with the silent promise of dealing with him later. Then I returned my attention to the power building inside me. One last deep breath and my heart shuddered to life inside my chest, making a rhythmic pattern with my faux breathing. A tingling warmth spread from head to toe, then settled on my awaiting hands. Seconds later, there was a glowing orb of fire (about the size of a basketball) cupped inside my palms. And just as the vampire appeared through the settling fog, I called out, “Not another step, Tristan, or it will be your last!”“I think you should reconsider your threat,” Tristan shot back. “We are on the same side.”That I sincerely doubted, but I knew killing a member of the Head Council would definitely put me on the “Most Wanted” list. Which I might already be on, since I’d helped the human this vampire was here to claim escape.“She’s not bluffing!” Stone said through a snarl. I wanted to glare him into silence, but I refused to take my eyes off of the vampire standing in the broken doorway, wearing a black Armani-looking suit—now lightly covered with dust. It was a custom for all members of the Head Council to wear black suits, but each of them would wear shoes and an undershirt of their own choosing. I guess it was a way to express their individual personalities. Yet this one seemed to express himself through his spiked, platinum blond hair, not the basic black undershirt and matching boots—which were much more boring compared to what I’d seen a few of the other Council members wearing. But this vampire was far from boring. He was a tracker for the Council—one of the best hunters on earth. And he was after my human boyfriend.“You know why I’m here, Abigail,” Tristan bit out. “The human was here.”I felt my gaze narrow as I carefully took a step forward, the ball of flames growing hotter in my hands. “Yes, he was. It’s my fault he wasn’t captured.”“That’s not exactly true,” said Stone as he moved up beside me.I stole a few deep breaths, fighting the urge to throw my fireball at him instead of the blond vampire in the suit.“Please explain!” Tristan ordered with impatience. But as Stone attempted a reply, he was cut off. “Not you! I want to hear this directly from Abigail!”“Abby,” I corrected, feeling sweat forming above my brows and pooling between my breasts.The blond vampire smirked, folding his arms in front of his chest.“I did not restrain him because I do not believe he will be kept safe once in your hands,” I went on. “And until I can prove his innocence in all of this, I feel it’s best that he stay far away from you.”A tinge of red formed a ring around Tristan’s irises as he scowled. “That is not your decision. He must pay for his involvement with those rogue vampires, including Bronx. He cannot get away with helping them try to destroy our stronghold.”“I made an agreement with the other Council members,” I reminded him. “Doesn’t that count for something? Your word is nothing if your actions do not back up what you say.” My voice was getting louder, my patience thinning. And the angrier I got, the more difficult it became to control the fire in my hands.“Yes. We have a deal,” Tristan assured. “We will not kill him or harm him—just as we told you—but that does not mean he won’t be punished some other way.”“I don’t believe you,” I snapped.Stone put his hand on my shoulder. “Abby, maybe you should—”In a flash of movement, the vampire closed the distance between us and held Stone in a headlock from behind with his fangs hovering over my friend’s neck. And since it wasn’t to drink Stone’s blood, since Stone was also a vampire, then that meant it was a threat to rip out my friend’s jugular. From there it would be too easy to finish Stone by ripping off his head. And that’s when my patience snapped. There were only two ways to kill a vampire—burning to death or decapitation—and he was about to find out firsthand just how very dangerous I was. Sure, he could threaten to kill my friend, but he’d be burned alive before Stone’s head hit the ground. I placed all my focus on the orb of heat in my hand, willing it to retract to half its size while intensifying, growing hotter, then I thrust it at Tristan’s face. In a blur of motion, he ducked, throwing Stone to the floor as the fireball grazed over his head, singeing the soft tips of his hair. A snarl erupted from his throat as his fiery gaze locked onto mine. There was a brief hesitation, burnt hair and musk filling my senses, then something similar to curiosity flashed over his eyes and he was airborne, plunging straight for me. My body shuddered as heat blasted out of every pore, radiating from me like invisible steam. Throwing his arms over his face, the vampire faltered midair and fell sideways, then jumped back once he landed and retreated by the door from which he’d entered. Satisfied I’d made my point, I pulled all the heat back inside me, then rushed over to Stone and helped him up. “You okay?” I asked.He nodded by way of an answer, then ran his hand through his coffee-colored hair—which was completely messed up now.My eyes narrowing, I fixed my gaze on Tristan across the bar by the door. “Do that again and I’ll kill you,” I warned.Tristan brushed some of the dust off of his pants. “Abigail, I’d rather not have to repeat that again. Hopefully I’ve made my point by now,” he said, his mouth curling into an amused grin that nearly reached his eyes. The hints of crimson were gone—for now anyway. “I would not have harmed your friend, as I’m sure Mr. Rayver here is already aware.” He glanced at my disheveled friend, a smirk still pulling at his lips; then his gaze slid back to me. “Your powers make you far greater than just any other Enforcer. You are an equal with us. We should work side by side, you making the sixth, and final member, of the Council. But you must not argue with our protocol. If rules are broken, there are, and will always be, consequences. There are no exceptions to this. Ever. The rules of our kind are ageless. It’s been that way for centuries and shall remain that way indefinitely.”Well that was news to me. I knew the Head Council wanted my services, but I’d thought they just wanted me to be one of their many Enforcers. Enforcers were gifted vampires like me. Well, kind of. A few months ago I’d been kidnapped by an evil vampire named Bronx and turned against my will, which awakened the sorceress’s bloodline inside me, unbeknownst to me. But Bronx knew all about it, and he’d planned to use my powers to defeat the Head Council. Only I’d killed him before he got the chance. Later on, I’d learned about my real mother being an all-powerful sorceress and how she’d used her magic to impregnate her vampire lover—my father. So I never really was just another vampire. Or even an Enforcer. I was always more than that. A whole new species altogether, a hybrid, and a hot commodity among the vampire world—since there was no other like me. Yet if the Head Council really wanted my partnership, then I just gained a whole lot of leverage. Anxiety curled through my belly. “If you want me to work with you, and of course the others, then I will need you to be more flexible. Rules are always in place for guidance, but we both know they are not in stone. Especially when I believe innocence is a key component.”“When there is proof of one’s innocence, then we have a trial,” Tristan explained. “But there is no proof of that with this human.”I thought about that for a moment. Sure, I didn’t have “proof” per se, but I had Tyler’s word. And though he’d lied to me about his alliance with Bronx, and the fact he’d known about my father’s death all along, for some crazy reason I believed him now. “Allow me the time to find the proof you require and I will consider partnering with you.”Tristan shot me a lasered glare. His face softened but I had absolutely no idea what his thoughts were. Mind reading wasn’t one of my gifts—yet. Since no one could predict what other gifts I’d inherit.“How can you possibly believe this human didn’t help those rogue vampires?” he asked at last.Keeping my eyes on Tristan’s, I shook my head. “He was involved. I’m not saying I can prove that differently. He’s innocent of knowing what Bronx’s intentions were, what those rogue vampires’ intentions were.” I paused a moment to suppress some of the heat inside me, though I didn’t completely extinguish it just in case things got hostile again. “He thought he was helping them,” I went on. “He thought they were in trouble. He didn’t realize he was working for the bad guys until…until it was too late.”Stone snorted in disbelief, but kept his mouth shut. Smart vampire.Tristan’s eyes widened. “How can you possibly believe that? He must have you brainwashed!”“That isn’t possible,” I told him.“What are you speaking of?”—confusion in Tristan’s voice. “Bronx would have claimed you with his mind control had you not killed him first.” “No, it’s not possible to brainwash me,” I explained. “And that is how I was able to kill Bronx.” Saying that struck a pang inside my chest: I didn’t want to be a murderer any more than I wanted to be a vampire, err hybrid. “I have the ability of blocking powers.”A wave of surprise flashed over Tristan’s face. “There is so much to learn about you, Abigail,” he said.“So do we have a deal?” I asked, taking a couple steps toward him.Tristan raised a brow. “How much time are you asking for?”“As long as it takes,” I replied instantly. “I have a feeling you and the others will delay me, since we are all curious to learn more about my powers.”Tristan closed his eyes momentarily, presumably using his telepathic powers to confer with the other members of the Council. I stole a moment to look at Stone. He was shaking his head slowly, azure eyes with hints of red wide with shock. I shrugged my shoulders warily, knowing fully that to keep Tyler safe, I’d break this deal and the neck of anyone who attacked him. Obviously Stone knew that too.“We have a deal,” Tristan finally announced.I smiled. Relief flushed through me as the remnant heat within finally extinguished. Moments later, my breathing slowed and my heartbeat completely stopped. Oh the joys of being a vampire hybrid. “I have one more favor to ask,” I said, a whole new confidence exuding in my voice.Stone called out, “Abby, what are you—”“Silence, Mr. Rayver,” Tristan stated. “I am very interested in what Abigail will ask for now.”“I want to speak to Madelaine. Will Elliott do that for me?” My real sorceress mother, Madelaine, had died long ago, and I’d never even had the chance to meet her. My father and one of his female blood donors, all the while believing she was my mother, had raised me. And though I’d love for Elliott to connect me to my father, I simply couldn’t risk giving away the fact he was dead too. Who knew how that little piece of info would affect the deal I’d just made, or the innocence I wanted to prove for Tyler. Bronx killed my father. But it was because of Tyler’s gift of premonition that Bronx was able to find my dad in the first place. So I guess you could say Tyler did carry some of the blame. But he’d sworn that he never thought Bronx would’ve killed him. And I believed him, hopefully not foolishly. So far I was taking the news of my father’s death okay. Maybe my estranged relationship with him was helping me through the mourning process. After all, he’d left me when I was ten. Fifteen years later, I’d finally gotten a phone call from him, warning me I was in danger. I never had a chance to thank him for trying to help me…or see him again.“Abigail,” Tristan said, bringing me out of those thoughts. “You’re going to make a great addition to our team. You’re already very good at negotiations.” He chuckled lightly. “It will be our pleasure to call upon Madelaine for you and an honor to introduce you to your real mother.” Holding out his hand, he moved closer, giving me a good view of his violet eyes speckled with the deepest of cobalt, not a trace of crimson in them, which calmed me further. “So we have a deal?”I nodded, taking his hand inside mine. “We have a deal.” Then I asked, “When do we leave?”His answer was one simple word: “Dusk.”I felt my chest tighten as he said it, even though I’d somewhat expected that to be his answer. Moving to where Stone was behind me, I threw my arms around his neck and buried my face against the softness of his tee, yet I could feel the ridged lines of muscle just beneath. “I know I just got back here, but I promise we’ll have more time once this is all over. I will miss you,” I told him, my voice muffled.He gently grabbed my shoulders and pushed me back, just enough for him to look at my face. “What in the hell are you talking about? Do you actually think you can get rid of me that easy?”“What do you mean?” I asked, feeling confused.“I’m coming with you.”“No, you’re not!” Tristan shouted from behind me.I shrugged as a plan formed in my mind. “Wait a second. I think it’s a great idea for Stone to come.”“No,” Tristan repeated.“Actually, sir,” Stone said, “I can be of help to both Abby and the Council. I can help look for the information Abby seeks to clear her human while she is tied up with business affairs with you. It would make her that much more available.”I felt my eyes widen. That was actually better than my plan. “But you hate Tyler.” And he did—with a passion.“Oh I still hate him, but I think the world of you.” Stone gently gripped my chin, caressing it between his thumb and forefinger.A lone tear I hadn’t felt before dripped from my eye as I smiled. Stone let go to wipe it and I glanced over at Tristan. “Please allow Stone to come with us. He would be a true asset. And he is my friend. Please.”Tristan was quiet for a short moment, face hard, eyes studying us intently. “Very well.”“Where are we going exactly?” I asked.“Boston,” Tristan replied. “We have a few stronghold locations, but we are operating out of Boston right now. It’s good to move around. Staying in the same place for centuries can get quite boring. And it’s not as safe.”I nodded. I’d never been to Boston before, but I’d heard it was an interesting place. A huge part of me was looking forward to seeing it, checking out all the historic monuments, buildings, and the statue of Sam Adams, if there would be any time for sightseeing. With Stone coming, we would certainly accomplish twice as much, twice as fast. I trusted that he would work diligently on finding a way to prove Tyler’s innocence. Though Stone despised Tyler, I was certain that he cared enough about me to do as he said he would. Yet Stone wouldn’t be upset in the slightest if he was unable to find the proof we needed to clear Tyler’s name.There was also the uncertainty over what kind of situation I’d be getting myself into with the Head Council. Learning vampire politics and more about the new species I’d become when Bronx turned me…well, that could take more time from me than I could ever imagine. Plus meeting my mother for the first time and finding out more about her set my emotions swirling with anxiety.I closed my eyes and let out a deep, long sigh. Just take one thing at a time, Abby. One thing at a time. Quit worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. Bronx was dead. Tyler was alive and pardoned for the moment. Lily, my closest human friend and old blood donor, was okay. Stone was here with me now and would stay with me at the Head Council’s stronghold. And I’d gotten pretty good control over my amazing, awesome, and insanely strong powers. I’d say my life, afterlife, whatever, was going pretty darn well at the moment. Yet, at the time, I had no idea just how quickly everything was about to change.

Stacking The Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews in which we share the books we are adding to our shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include
books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends
or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Hey
peeps,
it’s Stacking the Shelves time again. Here is what we have received this week. We didn't get a lot of stuff last week so we combined the two last weeks. :D And the 26th was MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! and I got a lot of great books!! We
would
love to know your thoughts, if you've read any of the books we get Or if
You see a book you might like to trade
for. Don't be scared to drop us a email. We will always respond.
Also don't forget
to show
us some love by leaving us a
comment and leaving a link to your STS. Read on peeps, read on!!!!!

Friday, March 29, 2013

[Paranormal Romance. Fallen Warriors #4]In a world where angels rule over humans, twelve outcasts dare to defy expectation, warring with their angel brethren to prevent the extinction of mankind.They are The Fallen.When fallen angel Jason answers Michael’s summons to an abandoned warehouse in New York City, the last thing he expects to find is a covert rebel group hiding underground…one that’s led by a stunning nephilim who unmistakably belongs to him. Ruby Miller has always known the angels who claim to protect humans have a hidden agenda. Ever since the day her father was killed by his own kind for protecting humans, she’s lived off the grid, determined to stop the angels from succeeding in their plot to destroy mankind. Then she meets Jason, a sexy fallen angel who claims she’s his mate. Falling in love is not part of her plan. If only she could deny the sizzling attraction that pulls them closer together.As the Fallen and Ruby’s gang of rebels work together to gain proof of the angels’ nefarious plans, she must decide whether to stay focused on her mission…or surrender to the sweet ecstasy of this angel’s unforgettable kiss.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

England, 1465. Mortal men clash in the War of the Roses for the English crown, while vampire warriors’ move undetected among their ranks, savoring the flow of blood that battlefields provide.

Vampire prince, Severian Pearce, fears the revelation of the immortal clans to humankind should King Henry fall from power. While in pursuit of Henry’s enemies, Severian comes to the aid of Meridian Neville, a human woman he craves—and not for the scent of her blood … Meridian is torn between honoring her father’s dying wish and her unexplainable yearning for Lord Severian. But as Severian and Meridian work together to protect a relic hunted by mortals and immortals alike, the red veil descends over them. This all-consuming attraction can drive immortals to the brink of madness. Will the existence of this powerful bond between a human and a vampire be enough to unite the immortal clans or is the red veil a scourge set on destroying any chance they might have of happiness?

When all hope is lost, one vampire will fight unto death for his forbidden love.

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REVIEW

I love both the historical and paranormal romance genres, so I really enjoyed the combination of these two elements withing the book. The beginning was a little bit confusing, but necessary to the story, so I forgive! (: The prince was just. I do not know if I have adequate words to describe him. He was pretty hot and could be both intimidating and sweet. And Elizabeth was an endearing character as well. Although this book was a prequel, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the writing and the history. The romance was sweet and I cannot to see what the next book in the series has in store romance- wise. This book definitely has me primed to start the series. I cannot wait to see what new twists are in store for me. I liked how the prequel was ended as well. Also, The cover, characters, and setting are quite lovely. (:

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Sometimes, love is conceived in the mind of a man long before it is ever realized.

1990, Cardiff, Wales. Vampire prince, Sebastian Pearce, has waited six-hundred years for the right human mate. His own beloved mother was a mortal capable of carrying immortal offspring. While vampires no longer require live donors for sustenance, Mother Nature has played a cruel trick on them making breeders a rare commodity. As numbers in Sebastian’s Imperial House continue to dwindle, his virgin bride eludes him. That is, until he happens upon a young woman searching for information about a sacred vampire text, the Book of Descent. Sebastian’s desire for her is more potent than anything he’s felt for another woman, but Everleigh Marbut isn’t innocent. She’s an American with a mind of her own, and worst of all, she’s already carrying an immortal being. As Sebastian and Everleigh fight their attraction to each other, they don’t realize they’re being lured into a battle pitting medieval myth against the power of modern science to recreate life until it’s too late.

The destiny of his lineage, and the bond forged between them, now rests in their acceptance of each other as they are.

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REVIEW

I didn't know if the historical/paranormal world of Elizabeth Marx could improve after the preview, but I was wrong. I loved all the characters (for the most part), especially Gillian, who had me cracking up throughout the book. The hot and relationship between the the main characters kept me engaged throughout the book. I love the twist that Everleigh is not some silly human virgin, but a woman, and a pregnant woman at that. I loved the dialogue. The book would just not have been the same without it. I mentioned before that the book was set in historical times, which was very well done. (: I will have to read more books by this incredible author. I do not want to say too much about the romance for fear of releasing a spoiler, but I like how Everleigh held in there. ;)

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GIVEAWAY

The author has offered to give away a copy of both the books to one of my blog followers. Leave a comment telling me what part of the blurbs interests you the most (either book) to be eligible to win. Don't forget to thank the author for her generosity.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

If there is one thing eighteen-year-old Aurora Sky wants, it’s to get off the iceberg she calls home. Being kissed before she graduates wouldn’t hurt either.

Then a near-fatal car wreck changes everything. Government agents step in and save Aurora’s life in exchange for her services as a vampire hunter. In Alaska. Basically she’s a glorified chew toy. All thanks to her rare blood type, which sends a vampire into temporary paralysis right before she has to finish the job… by hand.

Now Aurora’s only friends are groupies of the undead and the only boy she can think about may very well be a vampire. And if he’s a vampire, will she be forced to kill him?

Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt. She is the author of the Spellbound Trilogy and upcoming Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter series. Nikki married Sebastien, the love of her life, while working as a teaching assistant in France. They now reside in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands, 70 miles northeast of Forks, Washington.

Aurora is an extremely like-able eighteen year old girl who cannot wait to graduate and leave Alaska behind her for good. When she is leaving school one day, she gets into a car wreck and dies. When she comes back, she is in an army facility and is miraculously recovered. Government agents are telling her that in exchange for them spending money on her and saving her life, she is required to work for them.. as a Vampire Slayer. They inject her with a plethora of deadly viruses, including one that makes her blood toxic to Vampires. Naturally, she reacts like any person would. She thinks they are all a bunch of whack jobs. But as she learns that the crazy agents are telling the truth and that she really has no choice but to help them, her future changes forever. She has to cope with her new-found superhuman abilities- a side effect to being injected with a Vampire virus- all while trying to navigate the ever changing dynamics of high school life and having her first boyfriend. The Aurora she used to be is gone forever. She died in that car wreck. She has a lot of hard choices to make, but she may find new friends and romance in the process.

Aurora, herself, was my favorite character. She is sort of snarky and sarcastic. She is relatable and reacts the way any 18 year old would react in certain situations. Sure, she did some things that may have been unsavory, but she is in a tough predicament and I can forgive her. (: Her transformation from girl on the sidelines to bad ass chick was abrupt, but what can you expect? She was changed into another person. Her whole life is changed. Who wouldn't reinvent themselves of change. :D

Aurora's mom- I know she means the best and is a loving mother, but I could learn to dislike her for always burying her head in the sand and pretending like everything is OK when it really isn't. I still like her, though. *sigh* Yes, I do.

Noel- What a sweetheart. I am glad her and Aurora became friends instead of that other horrid character who was a crappy friend. Aurora needed someone and I am glad it was Noel.

Fane- Hmm....... Fane..Fane....Fane... In the end of the book, I liked him a whole lot better than I did in the first....say..... ten pages. However, the turnaround from douchebag to good guy seemed a little abrupt. Don't get me wrong, I love that he was more than the ugly- haired man- slut. I just cannot fully understand him. I mean.. he is hot, though. I will definitely give him that. Well..... except for his hair. yuck. I would like to know more about him in the next book.

Fane's best friend is intriguing and funny in an obnoxious kind of way. (: haha.

Dante- haha. what a nutcase. I love him. He is so fun. and he has a dog. So, how can you hate him?

I liked the storyline, itself, well enough. (:

all in all, it was a pretty good story with a cool lead character, some hot (and I do mean hot. :D )romance, funny situations, some snark, and some bloodshed.

Giveaway

Blog Stop giveawayThis giveaway is for one (1) Aurora Sky Door Hanger (can also work as a bookmark). Open internationally. The prize will be shipped the week of April 15th. Ends April 11th. (:a Rafflecopter giveawayTour Grand Prize

Monday, March 25, 2013

Alright people! Today I have the lovely Heather Walsh, Author of Dented Cans, her debut YA novel! I reviewed this novel a few weeks ago here.

She is such a sweetheart to agree to an interview!

1) If you were writing a book about your life, what would you title it?

HW: Dented Cans. Oh wait, is that one taken?

2) Do you have a favorite character from Dented Cans? If so, can you tell me who it is?

HW: Ben. He’s pure innocence, so it’s hard not to favor him as much as everyone else in the novel does.

3) Did your family have any quirky habits that drove you insane like Hannah’s family does?

HW: Of course! Doesn’t every family? That’s what makes holidays such fun. My Dad really did buy lots of dented cans, for example, but my brothers and I thought this was more funny than annoying. I try to laugh as much as I can in life, but of course that’s easier said than done sometimes.

4) Now be honest… a lot of this book takes place in Disney World. There is a lot of description in here..

How much time did you spend there doing “research”? <grin>

HW: Oh boy. Lots. My mother is Disney’s biggest fan, so we went there often as kids. But in order to afford these trips, we had to employ some of the penny-pinching you see in Dented Cans. PB&J sandwiches, for example.

5) The siblings, Hannah and Ryan, do not care too much for Disney world in the story. Do you share their opinions?

HW: I had many great memories in Disney, especially in the water parks. But I did sometimes get exasperated with it when I visited it as a teenager, for many of the reasons Hannah and Ryan do.

6) This book has some pretty strong elements in it dealing with some pretty sad stuff. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but was it hard for you to write a story with these “elements” in it.

HW: Yes, it was. I become quite attached to my characters, so when I have to write difficult, emotional scenes for them, it does affect me.

7) I hear talk of you working on another book! I do not want to pry too much, but can you tell us anything about it? Maybe even just a general time frame you hope to have it out?

HW: Yes, I am indeed hard at work on the next novel. I plan on publishing it in the fall. You will be pleased to know that this time, it’s a love story. I promise to give Books Marks the Spot a sneak preview before it’s published!

8) I would like to end off the interview with something fun. Can you tell me something fun/random/wonky/crazy about yourself or your writing habits?

HW: I love to write while I take walks (it’s a talent) or when I am on a train or bus, preferably seated at a window. I’m obsessed with Sarasa Zebra pens. I own about 50 of those guys.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! I cannot wait for your next book and hope to have you on the blog again for it’s release. (:

Sunday, March 24, 2013

I loved the world that was built in this novel. Morgan's kingdom is very well set up and described.

Princess Morgan, herself, was extremely easy to like. She was no simpering female and could keep up with all her father's knights- having been raised with them. She is such a tom boy!

Agnus is one of my favorite characters! She is a crazy old bat, but she is loving and hilarious!!

*sigh* There is this one part of the story that I knew was coming. I liked a certain character and a twist totally threw me for a loop. But it created a conspiracy, which I will admit is necessary for a novel of this sort.

I needed to know more about a certain character. He just seemed to come out of no where! But he grew on me. (:

Another character (sorry. no names!!) He really grew on me and then completely changed into someone UN-likeable. I was all...Nooooooo!

I love love loved the camaraderie between all the knights and Morgan. They are all like bickering brothers with their younger sister. It was one of my favorite parts of the book!

All in all, this was a cute kingdom conspiracy with a sweet romance. It had some funny characters (Agnus. *ahem*), some obnoxious characters, a bad ass tomboy princess, brave knights, and some fantasy elements(<3). I liked it. (:

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Wow. What to say about this book. I can honestly say that I loved this book. This is my first book by this author and I definitely plan to read her others.

I just absolutely loved the premise of deadly animals that are more predator than horse. They are something to be respected and feared. But also loved. These animals were amazing. They are nothing like regular horses. They would just as soon eat their rider than nuzzle them. But they made the story. I felt like I was reading a horror story for parts of this book. The author does not sugarcoat the book with niceties and sunshine. No ma'am. She is a true author and is not afraid to step out of the realm of normal in order to create an amazing book.

The romance in this book was so sweet and believable. I was so so SO SO happy that there was no insta- love. I hate that mess. The romance in this story won me over.

Puck is wonderful. She is smart and I love the bond she and her horse, Dove, share. She is sort of a smart-ass, which I love. And she is a very brave young woman. I love that her and puck are older and are not adolescents. I much prefer a story with characters around my own age than too much younger or too much older. (I am almost 20).

Sean is awesome. He is not outgoing, but he is not a recluse either. He just doesn't say much. No, he is not the "major jerk" or is the "sweet rich boy" but he was just perfect to me. He is described as plain looking, but his character is extraordinary. And his relationship with Puck and his water horse, Char, just warm my heart.

While there is romance in this book, it is also about a beautiful friendship that developed between a man and a woman, the bond between a brother and a sister, a woman and her horse, and a man and his best friend.

There was some horrifying imagery and some beautiful imagery. While we all know that there are no such things as predatory horses that come from the sea, the book is so well grounded that I can almost believe these creatures exist. I mean, we have explored more of outer space than we have our own oceans. You never know if something as magnificent as the capaill uisce might actually exist. I am unsure of what time frame the author had this book set in. I mean, Americans visit the island and there is talk of visiting California and eating sharks. And tennis shoes and automobiles are also mentioned. This leads me to believe that the book is set in modern times, but the feel of the island itself and the simpleness of life there would leave me to believe, otherwise. I like the contrast.

The story was a little slow- moving throughout and did not pick up until certain scenes, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Probably due to the wonderful characters, the violence, the romance, the horses, the danger, the friendships, and the cozy yet strange island world I was introduced to. (:

A great read for readers who like sweet romance, danger, friendship, unique fantasy worlds, horses, and the psychotic murderous predatory capaill uisce<3

May 8th. (:

Tiffany and Ryan

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The FTC requires us to state that a percentage of the books we review are from the Authors. We receive them for free in exchange for an HONEST review. We do not receive any monetary compensation or such nonsense in exchange for reviews. Other books are reviewed are books we have bought, traded from other book lovers, won, or received as gifts.